[PHOTOS]: Equity Bank Rwanda commemorates the 1994 Genocide against theTutsi

As commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi continues, Equity Bank staff on Friday gathered at their headquarters in Kigali to remember the victims.

Monday, April 25, 2016
Equity Bank's Namara speaks during the commemoration event on Friday. (Frederic Byumvuhore)

As commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi continues, Equity Bank staff on Friday gathered at their headquarters in Kigali to remember the victims.

The annual commemoration ceremony was characterised by lighting of candles for all participants, and observing a one minute silence.

Mourners and staff light frame of remembrance during the commemoration event.

Vital Ndayambaje, an official from the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG), spoke about the history of the Genocide, including how genocide ideology was spread countrywide in years leading up to 1994.

Hannington Namara, the Managing Director of Equity Bank Rwanda Limited, said during this period it is the company’s responsibility to give back to the community especially the needy people.

Equity Bank Rwanda staff at the commemoration event.

He said though the bank was not there in 1994 it is their duty to support Genocide survivors.

"We honour the victims and support Genocide survivors. Citizens are our strengths. There is no use of our existence if we do not support the needy. We would like to support any project initiated to improve the lives of needy people particularly survivors,” Namara said.

Equity Bank Rwanda staff sing some of the commemoration songs at the event.

He added that the bank has committed to pay health insurance for at least 200 Genocide survivors living in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District for this year and next year.

Thaddee Bariwabo, an Equity Bank employee at Nyarugenge District branch, said life without remembrance is meaningless.

Equity Bank Rwanda staff at the commemoration event.

"Equity employs many Genocide survivors who remember and want to renew (their lives). Remembrance shows the value we give our beloved ones that we lost. .”

Merciane Nyirambeba, a genocide survivor fetching water from a new water tap.

On the same day, the bank inaugurated a water supply project, worth Rwf12 million that will benefit 146 families of Genocide survivors in Gasharu and Murama cells in Kinyinya.

Kinyinya Genocide Survivors appreciate the Equity Bank Rwanda's support. (All photos by Frederic Byumvuhore) 

Langwide Nyirabahire, the vice mayor of Gasabo District in charge of social affairs, said the scheme comes as a solution to water shortage.

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